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Friday, November 9, 2012

Again!

As has been my habit during the seemingly never ending Penn State sexual abuse scandal, I've sat on developments for a few days. It gives me time to think and to choose my words carefully.

November 1, former PSU president Graham Spanier was charged with lying to a grand jury. The charges stem from the attempt to cover up Jerry Sandusky's sex crimes. Former PSU officials Tim Curley and Gary Schultz were hit with additional charges for their roles in the conspiracy.

There were no surprises here. Those in the loop have been saying for a long time that these charges were coming. The anticipation doesn't make the case less sad, and less disgusting.

It was also disappointing, and here's why. Attorney General Linda Kelly, at a news conference announcing the charges, was asked about the role Joe Paterno played in this whole mess. This was her response: "Mr. Paterno is deceased...I'm not going to speculate or comment on Mr. Paterno's relationship to this investigation."

Really?

Joe Paterno was a state employee who made millions. He was the face of Penn State, and as it turned out, he was the real boss in Happy Valley. While he is not here to defend himself, we deserve to know what he did do, what he didn't do, and why. There is no need for AG Kelly to, using her word, "speculate." You investigated. It should all be there in black and white.

Kelly needs to know she has a responsibility to the people of the state. A complete, open, and honest investigation helps everyone move on from this horrible episode.

Our attorney general spoke of what she called the "conspiracy of silence." Guess who's part of the conspiracy, now.